Uncategorized

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses and facilities are shutting down or reducing occupancy, which may lead to a higher risk of the spread of Legionella and other biofilm bacteria within water systems. In buildings with complex plumbing systems, stagnant water can be a problem that, if not properly handled, can pose a number of health risks to occupants upon reopening. This is especially true for certain applications such as cooling towers and boilers, but can also potentially be true for most water-based applications, including spas and pools, decorative fountains, and more.

For a safe reopening, the CDC recommends a comprehensive water management plan, as well as several precautions that should be taken prior to the reopening and subsequent use of water systems. These range from flushing the system, to cleaning exposed water features, like fountains, water fountains, pools, and spas and hot tubs, to maintaining cooling towers, and ensuring that all safety equipment like fire sprinklers and eye-wash stations are clean and safely usable. For more information, check out the CDC’s ‘Guidance for Building Water Systems’.

If you are unsure of how to prepare your facility for reopening, it is highly recommended that you speak with a water treatment expert prior to introducing occupants back into the facility. Use our contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have about water treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic, or any other water-related inquiries.

Want to know more? The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, or ASDWA, has compiled a list of helpful resources regarding building water systems during Covid-19.

COVID-19 Update – March 18th, 2020

At FCT Water, the safety and well-being of our employees and our customers is always our priority, and we recognize the important role we play in providing our customers with supplies and services during this critical time. We are actively monitoring the COVID-19/Coronavirus situation and taking steps to help keep our communities safe. We wanted to share with you some steps we are taking.

Aligning with public health authorities

We are closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization regarding COVID-19. We will continue to seek guidance from these agencies, public health officials and government agencies on an ongoing basis.

Protecting our employees and customers

As our employees interact with customers and the general public, we have taken steps to limit exposure to the virus. We have put restrictions on travel, postponed large-scale events, limited the size of meetings, provided remote-work solutions, and continue to reinforce safe behavior in every work environment. Additionally, we have protocols in place for increased cleaning, disinfecting and appropriate quarantine procedures based on recommendations by government and health agencies.

Our commitment to our customers

The role our company plays within your supply chain is incredibly important to us. We have been developing manufacturing measures and proper contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption in the supply of products and services for our customers during this time. As developments happen across the country and within our company, we will notify our customers immediately about any changes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us immediately. As always, thank you for being a customer and for your continued trust as we manage through this time together.

What Is ASHRAE 188?

ASHRAE 188 is a standard created in 2015 (and updated in 2018) which outlines the importance of a water management plan for preventing the growth and spread of Legionella, a bacteria that can lead to the potentially life-threatening Legionnaires Disease. The standard suggests that certain facilities like healthcare facilities or overnight facilities (such as hotels) actively treat water for Legionella. While this is an optional standard, many local building codes are requiring facilities to adhere to it and create a new water treatment plan or update an existing one.

Those at Risk

While a proper water management plan is recommended for any facility with a complex water system, ASHRAE 188 identifies several factors that increase the risk of the spreading Legionellosis, which may lead to stricter enforcement for certain types of facilities. For example, people over the age of 65, as well as people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to contracting Legionnaires Disease, so healthcare or assisted living facilities are more likely to be required to implement and maintain a water management plan

Creating a Water Treatment/ Management Plan

A water treatment plan can be difficult to come up with, but in order to remain compliant and safe, one may be necessary for your facility. All water systems are a little different depending on factors such as location, type of application being used, and the age of the system. A water treatment expert is able to analyze a water system and identify what treatment methods will work best to create a lasting, compliant water treatment program. FCT Water also offers continuous customer support and a free system analysis with our management plans. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you build a water treatment plan that will last!

Treating Cooling Tower Water

While cooling towers come in all shapes and sizes, they all have one thing in common: they’re all susceptible to the same risks associated with untreated water which include: scaling, corrosion, biological growth, and fouling. These major issues can reduce the efficiency, and even the functional lifespan, of a cooling tower.

But don’t worry, these risks can be reduced or prevented with simple consistent water treatment. To avoid the aggravation (and steep costs) of repairing and replacing cooling towers, then a cooling tower water treatment program is a must.

Getting Started with a Cooling Tower Water Treatment Program

If you don’t have a
water treatment expert on staff, then step one of ensuring your
cooling water is properly treated is to contact an expert.

Cooling tower water treatment are all a little different and serve different purposes, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution or treatment plan. Instead, it’s important to have a plan tailored to suit your specific system’s needs. An FCT Water expert can survey your system and work with you to make the best plan for your business.

Why Treat Cooling Water at all?

While a cooling tower might not be a harsh environment like boiler water, or as contaminated as wastewater, it can still pose a major threat to equipment and people alike if left untreated. Corrosion and scale can dull a system’s efficiency and potentially damage the metal in pipes. Repairs can cost money, as well as time so a water treatment program could end up saving you significantly in the long run.

Untreated water can also breed biological elements like biofilm, which is difficult to treat and can reduce heat transfer. Bacteria like legionella can also breed in untreated water, and spread throughout a cooling system, potentially leading to Legionnaire’s Disease under certain conditions.

To learn more about
cooling tower water treatment, or to get a free audit on your system, contact
one of our representatives today!

Why
Switch to Purified Tannin?

If you’re in a business that uses steam boilers, you might have heard about tannins for treating water. But have you heard about purified tannins, the newer, more effective version? The names might be confusing, but the results aren’t. Purified tannins treat boiler water to ensure maximum efficiency within the system, while also protecting against corrosion, and cleaning away/preventing scale deposits.

All boilers need treatment for efficient, lasting operation. Purified tannins are perfect for most boiler applications, from local breweries, to feedlots, purified tannins get the job done!

Proven
Tech that Delivers

In 2011 a large paper mill in Canada tried purified tannins to stellar results. The powerhouse paper producer saw an 88% reduction in blowdown rate with significantly increased cycles. Consequently the company reported big savings in makeup water and fuel usage, as well as a reduction in wastewater discharge.

Added
Benefits

And since the technology comes from renewable resources and allows boilers to operate using less energy, the mill was able to meet their environmental goals and be the hero of the neighborhood.

Purified tannins are
also a one-drum solution, reducing
the amount of storage space needed, while also reducing the risk of spills
handling time.

Furthermore, purified tannins are surprisingly easy to test. Unlike other treatment options, titration is not needed to test the quality of tannin-treated water. Instead, a simple color comparison test can be used.

Why
Go With Us?

The complex chemistry behind purified
tannins can be intimidating. There are more than 3,000 different tannin molecules
out there, and only water and chemical experts can confidently provide the most
effective product. FCT Water works with TGTW; “The Tannin Guys” to make sure
nothing less than the best gets delivered to your boilers.

The
Bottom Line

So what you need to know is this: Purified tannin technology can increase the efficiency of a boiler system, protect from lasting damage and premature equipment failure, and save money over time. It’s proven to be a reliable and effective first-choice boiler treatment solution that comes with added benefits like a low environmental impact and easy testing. Boiler treatment is crucial to maintaining smooth operation of a boiler-centric business, and water treatment experts know how to do it best.

(Contact us for a full case study and more information and technical details about purified tannins.)